Love Jar Reward

The bribing technique of choice

Me helping Eden perfect her technique

Talmage and Grandma

Grandpa and Eden

Ben with Kesley and Wyatt

So, several months ago, I was becoming increasingly bothered by the fighting going on between my kids. Nothing crazy, just the typical sibling junk, but nonetheless bothersome and it always brings an atmosphere of tension along with it. The last thing I need with 4 kids 6 years old and under is MORE tension. So, I decided to have a Family Home Evening introducing a new "motivation" to keep the kids from fighting, and create a more service oriented home. I came up with the "Love Jar". When the kids do or say something kind to one another, are obedient when asked to do (or not do) something etc... then they get to put a marble in the "Love Jar". I never take any marbles out for BAD behavior because I feel that you can't take away good deeds they have done, as if they never did them. When it is all filled up, then we get to go do something fun together as a family as a reward. It's a WIN-WIN! I get help and obedience and we all get to enjoy fun family activities!

The first time we filled it up, we went to Chuck E Cheese, and on Saturday they had filled it up again, so we went bowling. They are simple little activities, nothing glorious, but so fun! The kids are still at the age that any small thing that we don't normally do, is huge to them. Here are some pics of the fun evening. We invited Grandma and Grandpa along for the fun as well. Too bad the couple in the lane next to us were stone drunk!

Where is Noah when you need him?

The Falls (2 miles from our house) during the freeze in December

The Falls this week when the river overflowed

This is taken from the house where Wyatt went to preschool last year



Highway 202 (a neighboring highway) after the water had receded


So, as many people know already, the weather here in Washington has been unpredictable and downright volatile over that past month. December brought feet of snow and a massive windstorm. January has brought rain, rain, and more rain. It has been AMAZING to watch how fast that rain can melt snow. I know that seems like a no brainer, but a couple of weeks ago when we were practically snowed in, I remember thinking, "I don't think this snow will melt for months" and within a week it was ALL gone. Where did it go? Into the rivers of course! So with the melting of the massive amounts of snow coupled with a DOWNPOUR that lasted 3 days, the Snoqualmie River (which we live a couple of miles from) along with many other rivers in Western Washington rose to record levels and the majority of the Downtown area of our town was under water. School was cancelled for 3 days and now everyone is working to clean up the wreckage that was left from the flooding. Luckily, we live in an area of our town that is on a ridge so we are never in danger of flooding (okay unless a Noah-like flood comes). Pictures speak louder than words..so here goes:

8 in 2008

I feel like I would be ungrateful if I didn't use a portion of my brain to be introspective on the year that has just passed. Here are 8 things that I am grateful for; some frivolous, some serious but grateful for nonetheless.

1. The Gospel. That's a no-brainer to most of course, but I truly would have feel very lost in this frantic, materialistic world if I didn't have the Gospel as my anchor. It's nice to have an immovable, steady rock to plant my feet on as I raise my kids in a society that makes evil appear good and good appear evil.

2. A Democratic Society. Seriously, such a blessing. The people's voice can be heard and obeyed. Now, I'm not suggesting that I agree with the majority of people this year on some issues and elected officials, but the idea that the people have a voice in the legislation and administration of this country is a gift.

3. A Healthy Family. This year more than any other, I have heard of so many stories where a friend or a friend of a friend etc... has lost some family member to tragic accidents and illnesses. I feel deeply grateful for children, a husband, and extended family who are alive and healthy. At this moment. I never know what challenges is around the corner, but for this MOMENT, I am grateful for the healthy, accident-free year my little family has enjoyed.

4. Friends. What would life be like without friends? Girlfriends that is. I shutter at the thought. So many women in my life have inspired me by just the day to day lives they live; making me want to strive to be a better person. There is nothing like a girlfriend to be able to vent to, cry with, laugh with, and have meaningful discussions with. The great thing is that the longer you live, and the more places you live, the broader that circle becomes.

Now, on to more frivolous things!

5. Vacations- I luckily grew up in a home that put importance in family vacations. Some of my greatest memories from my growing up years are from fun vacations. Big or small, it doesn't matter, just getting away from the day to day grind is liberating and necessary. We went camping over the summer, took a trip to Utah for a couple of weeks, chilled out with the Sundwall family in Sunriver, Oregon this year, and then a quick jaunt to Portland to visit friends and my grandma. Such good memories.

6. Twilight. Sheer escapism. My friend coerced me to read them on my way to Utah this summer, and then Utah just became a blur. I had my face in the 3 books whenever I had the chance (much to Ben's dismay) Addicting? Yes. Romantic? Yes. Sheer fun to read? YES! Everyone I've talked to has been sucked in as well. There is something about this story that just grabs you and doesn't let go. Loved them.

7. Amazon. Wow. How this company has liberated me! I barely had to go to any stores this Christmas season for anything. Christmas shopping, boots, books, GPS watch etc... Name it. They have it. Usually at better prices than you can find things at the stores or other places online. And don't even get me stared on Amazon Prime. Sent from the heavens. BTW, I have a way to cut the $80 annual fee for that down to $20...ping me.

8. Brian Regan. Garrett (my brother in law) bought us a DVD of him last year for Christmas and our life hasn't been the same since. (Okay that was a little over dramatic eh?) Seriously I am laughing just thinking about him. Ben dug up as much material from him this year as he could find and all of it was hilarious. CLEAN and hilarious. The best kind of humor I might add. We went to his concert here in Seattle this year and he did not disappoint. It's always nice to have a good laugh now and then.

So there is my moments of introspection. 4 heavy. 4 light. There are many more, but I'm tired, can't think, and my hands are tired from doing this latest blog catch-up marathon!

Blades of Glory

Down but not out!

Kesley skating along with this awkward devise

Eden snacking on the sidelines

The day after Christmas, we met up with our good friends the Pierce's for a fun day of ice skating and pizza. We met in Everett at the new rink there and had a blast. Eden wouldn't touch the ice like I imagined, Kesley didn't really love it but went out for a bit, and Wyatt persisted and was able to skate on his own by the end. Rebecca and I hung out on the side (I am still in my walking boot) and Talmage was napping at my parent's apartment. Ben dusted off his hockey skates he's had for years and warmed up. Too bad that he ended up leaving with a bruised lip. He still doesn't know how he got it, but it wasn't there when we arrived and was by the end of the day. We then headed to Alfy's pizza for lunch...so yummy. Both parents watched the kids while the four of us headed to see Marley and Me. Good little movie. Heartwarming. I cried and I'm not even a dog lover. Always fun times with the Pierce's!

Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas!

Christmas Morning, about to open their stockings

Christmas Morning, about to head down to the tree!

Posing in their new duds on Christmas Eve

All the cousins in all new PJ's

Everyone ansy to open their pajamas

Nativity scene

So, this year we had a WHITE Christmas, with PLENTY of white to spare! It snowed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, which I LOVED. However, the week and a half of feet and feet of snow and snow drifts, I could have done without, but beggars can't be choosers!

We had a fabulously simple Christmas. My parents have recently moved up to Washington from Minnesota and we are thoroughly happy about that. We had the annual large Christmas Eve dinner at Sean and Mara's house and I was wisely removed from "gravy duty" this year, so that we could experience gravy in a non-gelatinous way. It was a wonderful night. After dinner we had the annual acting out of the Nativity Scene with Wyatt as a shepard, Kesley as a cow?!, and Eden as an angel, and Talmage as baby Jesus. My dad acted as the camel. Good sport dad, since Sean read you in as the "jackass". Nice. Then was the opening of the one Christmas present for the night: Pajamas. First time we have done that, and not the last. The kids loved the new jammies and the great thing is, if you get them in January for the next year, they are like $3! So shopping ahead a year paid off.

We headed back to our house and putting the kids to bed that night was a BREEZE! I was telling Ben that I don't think there is any other SINGLE day in the year that you can get the kids in bed as easily as Christmas Eve. Wyatt was honestly stressed about getting to bed so Santa wouldn't pass our house. Does this Santa charade really have to end..I wish it didn't! The kids left out a cookie and some carrots for the reindeer and Wyatt wrote a note thanking Santa for coming.

The next day was fun. This is the PERFECT age for Wyatt and Kesley. They get the whole Santa idea and are just itching to see what he brought. Eden got some discontinued "Sweet Streets" items (craigslist is the best!), Kesley got a Leapster with a couple of games. Wyatt got some more games for his Leapster and then TONS and TONS of board games. Talmage got a couple of chew toys. Talmage slept through the majority of the opening presents phase. The big gift of the day was one I thought would send the 2 older ones over the top, but I was underwhelmed. Ben wrapped up several boxes decreasing in size until the final box had a paper saying that we are going to Disneyland. The kids didn't really get it at first and then I told them we would go in 2 months and they were happy, but not quite the reaction I was looking for. I think if we had said, "Pack your bags! We are headed to Disneyland RIGHT NOW!" that would have been more effective than my phrase of "We are going to Disneyland in 2 months!" Not quite as real. I get it. My bad. Nonetheless, they are excited to see Mickey Mouse and hang out with their cousins Cash and Ruby.

We then had our annual big Christmas Day Brunch complete with my grandma's recipe for Coffee Cake, bacon, eggs, hash browns etc. Besides the fire alarm that kept going off, the breakfast went off without a hitch. Mara was home sick with a sinus infection and my parents had to go back up to Everett because my dad was on call at the hospital. We missed you guys! Matt and Heather Smith and their boys came over for the feast and then we cracked open "Would you Rather..." which was fun. The kids were in their pajamas all day and just played and played with their toys.

Here are some games/toys I highly recommend:

Stomp Rocket - better used as an outside toy but a boy's dream. You can get it on Amazon

Rush Hour Jr. -great problem solving tasks for kids that are fun AND educational.

Whoonu- Love the Cranium games. Best for kids who can read but we get through it with our kids and they can't get enough.